Smoke and malaria: are interventions to reduce exposure to indoor air pollution likely to increase exposure to mosquitoes?

Abstract

Indoor air pollution from the domestic use of biomass fuels by poor households in developing countries is known to be harmful to health, and efforts are being made to address this problem by changes in fuel type, stove technology, house design and fuel-use practices. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that smoke may play an important role by providing protection from biting insects and that efforts to reduce smoke may increase exposure, particularly to mosquitoes and malaria. This paper reviews the literature relating to the repellent effect of smoke on mosquitoes and finds that there is currently no evidence that smoke from domestic fuel use provides effective protection from mosquitoes and malaria. Given the limited number and quality of studies, this finding cannot be interpreted as conclusive. The literature relating to house ventilation and mosquito entry was also reviewed, and an association between eaves spaces and increased indoor mosquito density was noted. Additionally, literature on the effect of soot on the efficacy of insecticide-treated bed nets was considered, but no direct impact was shown. Efforts to reduce indoor air pollution remain desirable even in areas of malaria transmission.

Use of electricity and malaria occurrence: Is there a link? The case of Malawi

“…electricity, for cooking makes the air inside the dwelling/kitchen cleaner compared to the situation when biomass was used for cooking. Cleaner air has been proved to attract malaria vector more than polluted air with consequences in terms of likelihood of getting malaria (Biran et al, 2007). Models 4 to 6, on the other side, investigate on the effect that using electricity for lighting may have for malaria incidence.…”

“…The overall effect biomass smoke may have in terms of malaria vector density is still under debate; as suggested by Biran et al, 2007, biomass used inside the dwelling for cooking purpose may increase the concentration of malaria vectors as well as a consequence of house ventilation, aimed at reducing the level of indoor smoking, which also provides opportunities for malaria vectors to enter the house.…”

The Electrification–Malaria Nexus: The Case of Rural Uganda

“…Biran et al (2007) reviewed the literature related to the effect of smoke on mosquitoes, concluding that there is no consistent evidence that smoke produced by charcoal and fire-wood provides protection from malaria mosquitoes. Furthermore, using biomass for cooking and lighting inside the house could indirectly increase the risk of infection as house ventilation, aimed at reducing the level of indoor smoking, also provides opportunities for mosquitoes to enter the house.…”

Promoting Health and Advancing Development through Improved Housing in Low-Income Settings

“…A systematic review found that, while biting may increase, disease transmission was not affected. 100 …”